Active Home: Home Libraries

Active Home: Home Libraries

Reading between the lines.

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman politician and lawyer who served as consul in the year 63 BC. He was considered to be one of Rome’s greatest orators and prose stylists. While picture writing could possibly date back to 6600 BC, scholars still debate the advent of literary writing to approximately the 23rd or 24th centuries BC. Since this time, humans have accrued written works.

From important documents to fictional stories, collected works were housed in libraries – the repository of information. If you remember studying penmanship in school, manual typewriters and the fresh smell of photostat copies, you probably reached adulthood before personal devices and computers were essential appendages. Instead, you relied on public libraries to learn about the world, and chances are you could only check three books out at a time.

Craftsman-style library with a Dickensian twist.

Today we are firmly planted in the information age, and anything we want to research is available at our fingertips. The online world can virtually take us to anywhere that we want to go – at any time. Knowledge sits in a cloud waiting to be accessed.

For many there is a tug-pull of resistance. Book lovers enjoy the tactile sense of holding a book in their hands. Some claim that we absorb more, retain it for longer and have a visceral reaction to words that are printed in books. Even though those same words may now appear on a screen, we still want our books close by. Whether its a single shelf, a bookcase on a wall, or an entire room full of books, our home libraries are a way to hold on to the stories that shape us.

Amazon recently opened its first-ever bricks and mortar location, where all the book covers face out on the shelves. It’s a great idea if you have the space, as we often remember the author and a book’s title by having a visual reference.

You don’t have to be a librarian and use the Dewey Decimal System to classify the books in your home library. It’s all about personal choice. You may choose to group your books by a theme or author, or perhaps by hard and soft covers. Some people prefer to sort by spine colour, weight or the height of the book depending upon the height of the shelf.

Cosy up in a library loft.

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book in your best-loved chair or a cosy daybed. If it’s a sunny spot, ensure that your books are protected from direct sunlight, as they can fade and deteriorate over time. Nooks and crannies are often favoured spots, so consider a loft space, a den, a bedroom or a home office for a library location.

Craftsman-style Geldhart desk.

In the Victorian era, library bookcases enveloped a room, reached the ceiling and required ladders to reach the top rows. This type of look is making a comeback with soaring, custom-made shelving. Bookcases are becoming statement pieces, whether intricately carved in deep wood tones, sleek open shelving or shelves behind glass, there’s nothing like a wall of books to make a well-read homeowner feel right at home.

Jane Lockhart, B.A.A.I.D., Founder & Principal Designer Jane Lockhart Interior Design. Jane is a multi-award winning designer, spokesperson, author and television personality, including six successful seasons as creative director and host of W Networks’ top ranked Colour Con dential, currently in reruns and airing on HGTV U.S. JaneLockhart.com

I have lasting memories of the 1992 movie A River Runs Through It, and I can honestly say that it has nothing to do with Brad Pitt. Images from the movie stayed with me because of the beautiful fly fishing scenes.

Determine the must-haves on your wish list. Do you want to live by the water? Or maybe next to a championship golf course? Or does living in an historic small town appeal to you? Chances are that Kaitlin Corporation has exactly what you're looking for.

This development has been getting a great deal of buzz due to its unique concept. The Village at St. Elizabeth Mills offers a resort-style alternative for those who are looking to scale down, but not stop living life to the fullest. Located at the corner of Rymal Road West and Garth Street in Hamilton, the 114 acres will be transformed into a themed resort lifestyle community, complete with an old town square, restaurants and shops.

If you’re thinking of building a raised bed in your yard, urban gardener Tara Nolan has the answers to all of your questions. Nolan is an authority on this subject, and with all the changes in the business of gardening over the recent years, it’s great to have a comprehensive, go-to book on this very popular topic.

Known as one of the prettiest towns in Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake's old town exudes colonial charm, and is surrounded by the serenity of wine country. Set in the heart of this colourful area is the newest release by Woodcastle Homes – The Vines.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Allan Rug Co. has been serving the GTA builders, designers, architects and the public for over 50 years. Supplying a full range of commercial and residential carpeting in a wide range of colours and styles from leading manufacturers.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

Master Edge Homes is built upon a foundation of expertise and unparalleled craftsmanship. With a team of dedicated and diligent personnel, Master Edge Homes executes home builds and renovations precisely how you envisioned them. From design and build to complete renovation, we are passionate about exceeding excellence with meticulous design, skilled construction, and project management.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Canada's premium quartz manufacturer, HanStone Canada, is revolutionizing the quartz industry. Produced in a state of the art facility in London Ontario, HanStone Quartz is known for superior quality and exceptional design. Locally Made. Distinctly Beautiful. Naturally Canadian.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Space Age Closets and Custom Cabinetry has been serving Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area for over 30 years. Our services include a wide array of custom storage solutions for every room in your home. With decades of experience designing and installing custom closets and cabinets we pledge to provide excellence in service and get the job done right the first time.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. As a leading company, Cosentino imagines and anticipates together with its customers and partners design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives.

Discovery Dream Homes Ltd. Is a leader in innovative design, world class manufacturing and global marketing of the highest quality log and Timberframe products. We provide services for both residential and commercial projects.

Lumberland North is the home of the do-it-yourselfer in Brampton, offering expert advice and excellent prices on all our building supplies and home décor. Whether you’re remodelling your bathroom or building a deck, we have the products you need to pull it off.

Prestigious living in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Known as one of the prettiest towns in Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake's old town exudes colonial charm, and is surrounded by the serenity of wine country. Set in the heart of this colourful area is the newest release by Woodcastle Homes – The Vines.Aptly named, this low rise community is positioned to take advantage of all that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer, including golf courses, fabulous restaurants, world-class theatre, historical sites and, of course, some of the best wineries in the world.[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] Photography: istockphoto.com[/caption]LIKE A FINE WINEWoodcastle Homes is a custom homebuilder of luxury residences. At The Vines, a limited collection of 59 homes are priced from the $500,000s, and include a selection of single family homes, bungalow townhouses with lofts, and two-storey homes with lofts. All models come with a single-car garage, and include the lavish features and finishes that Woodcastle is known for.According to the Niagara Association of Realtors, average home prices in Niagara-on-the-Lake are around $800,000, making The Vines all the more desirable.The Vines is positioned in an established, upscale neighbourhood, with select lots backing onto the Virgil's Centennial Sports Park, providing convenient access to indoor, and outdoor, athletic facilities.CULTIVATE NEW INTERESTSNot only is Niagara-on-the-Lake an exceptional community in which to live in terms of beauty, but the area is filled with activities and amenities, like no other. The main street boasts eclectic boutiques, fine dining and galleries, and the Niagara Parkway Recreation Trail is one of the most picturesque walking/biking paths around. Pack a picnic and take a stroll along the river.The Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club dates back to 1875, and has earned the title of North America's oldest golf course. A little further afield, you'll find casinos on both sides of the border, many other golf course options, and the excitement of Niagara Falls. Big-league sporting events are held in Buffalo, and when the mood strikes, you're only 45 minutes from the Buffalo airport, where inexpensive flights to warmer climes are available.Also close by is the Harvest Barn Country Market, which sells fresh, local produce. Silversmith Brewery is located in a former 19th century church, and The Bass Pro Shop is adjacent to the factory outlet mall on the outskirts of town.[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] Photography: courtesy of Tourism Niagara[/caption]COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCEWith close to 30 years of homebuilding expertise, Woodcastle Homes has secured an impressive portfolio of homes and projects that stretch from Toronto to Muskoka, and beyond. New home buyers will find quality construction, choice materials and a commitment to service excellence at The Vines.CONTACT INFORMATIONThe Vines by Woodcastle Homes. Register online for updates.thevinesniagara.com

As one of Canada’s premiere Real Estate Firms, PMA has become a leader in the sale of new homes across the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Calgary in Canada, San Francisco and Florida in the United States. For 50 years the PMA family has embraced a simple yet powerful cornerstone – attitude, enthusiasm and teamwork make all the difference. PMA Brethour Realty Group sells over 3,000 homes annually and provides over 50 different clients across Canada and the United States with unparalleled professional service.Established by the legendary Riley Brethour in 1964, PMA was founded on the principle of enthusiasm and Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). In the development industry when all the “bricks and sticks” are the same or copied in 30 days – what distinguishes the Builder Developer from one another is often their public face … their sales team. What distinguishes a marketing and sales service company like PMA is the distinct character of the individual members of the team. We are not really in the REAL ESTATE business but we are in the RETAIL business. When you are in the RETAIL business you are really in the PEOPLE business. When you are in the PEOPLE business you’re in the EMOTION business and the managing of EXPECTATIONS. Since 1964, PMA for now over 50 years has reflected a positive and enthusiastic approach toward all aspects of our service business – to our industry, our clients, and our team.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. Euro-Line Appliances are proud distributors of products from AEG, LIEBHERR, PORTER&CHARLES, SMEG, and FRANKE in Canada.

The DXV brand of luxury bathroom and kitchen fixtures celebrates and draws on American Standard’s rich history, now in its 15th decade. DXV re-imagines design classics from four of the most influential design periods of the past fifteen decades.

IMPROVE is totally unique to Canada. Based on the international success of similar concepts throughout the world, IMPROVE understands how to make home improvement much easier and more pleasurable for consumers and trades to shop all under one roof.

stablished in 1988, Maple Drapery & Carpet Ltd., has become an expert in custom interior decorating. Well known for being at the leading edge of quality custom designed drapery, window coverings, shutters and blinds. The most discerning client can also find a vast array of luxurious custom bedding, wall to wall carpet and commercial flooring.

Headquartered in New York City, New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television serves more than 100 million potential viewers in China and around the world. Founded by Chinese Americans, and rooted in traditional Chinese culture, NTD serves as a unique bridge between the East and the West.

The purchase of a house is the largest investment we all make, and the kitchen is the biggest investment in the house. We are here to help you find appliances that make sense, give you great service, and most importantly give you the best price!